After confirming there were no issues, Wei Yumeng felt relieved. Mu Linjing gave her a thumbs up.
“You’re too cautious. If I were as careful as you, I’d get scolded less.”
Wei Yumeng could only offer a wry smile, “You’ll know once you fall into a few more traps.”
At that time, she had no idea there were so many pitfalls in the workplace. It was Ning Tao and Feng Shiming who had taught her a lesson.
Mu Linjing pouted, “You’re right. After a few more mistakes, you wouldn’t dare to be careless.” When the other party arrived, Wei Yumeng and Mu Linjing stood up simultaneously.
“Hello, Mr. Hu. We are from the Zhan Corporation, here to discuss cooperation with you.”
“Please have a seat.” Hu Zhongcai took out the contract and sat down, also calling for a waiter.
“Three coffees, please, thank you.”
Wei Yumeng and Mu Linjing exchanged glances. How come this Mr. Hu seemed different from other business partners? He appeared taciturn, and though his expression was neutral, he didn't seem like someone who would make things difficult.
Hu Zhongcai pushed the documents over, “We’ve already discussed most of the details with your company. However, we have some foreign personnel involved, so we'll need your company to translate them first.”
Wei Yumeng quickly handed over the translations she had already prepared.
“Mr. Hu, we have completed all the necessary translations. I thought that gentleman would be coming with you. If he were here, I could also provide verbal translation.”
“That won’t be necessary. Their country’s language is quite obscure, and few people here can speak it. Is this young lady newly hired by your Zhan Corporation? I haven’t seen her before.”
Hu Zhongcai looked at people straightforwardly, without any suggestive or lewd glances. This gradually put Wei Yumeng at ease.
Not all business partners were looking for something else; some genuinely wanted to facilitate cooperation. She began her introductions more meticulously and diligently.
Mu Linjing was of little help on the side, as she didn't understand anything about translation. But it didn't matter; she was actually a bit nervous. She was surprised by Wei Yumeng's excellent professional capabilities. Translating with the other party seemed effortless for her. It seemed she would need to work hard in the future.
After the contract was signed, Hu Zhongcai raised his coffee cup, “Miss Wei, it seems like your President Zhan is fortunate to have recruited someone like you. We’ve had similar collaborations before, but they were all put on hold because your company lacked a versatile translator. Now, you won’t have to worry about that. Furthermore, Miss Wei, you are beautiful and exceptionally capable. Your future is undoubtedly boundless.”
Wei Yumeng smiled humbly, “Mr. Hu, you flatter me. I am merely doing my best. Besides, this project was already agreed upon by both companies long ago. I only lent a small hand.”
“Then I wish our two companies a pleasant cooperation.”
Since Hu Zhongcai had already raised his coffee cup, Mu Linjing and Wei Yumeng couldn't refuse. They both took a sip. As Wei Yumeng was about to put hers down, Hu Zhongcai spoke again.
“What, Miss Wei? Do you find this coffee unpalatable?”
“No, it’s just that I haven’t eaten yet, and drinking coffee on an empty stomach makes my stomach uncomfortable.” Wei Yumeng was speaking the truth. Her stomach was indeed not good, and she rarely drank coffee. Today, she had simply found Mr. Hu to be pleasant and the negotiation smooth. Most importantly, it was coffee, not alcohol. If it had been other business partners, they would have already taken them to a restaurant.
Hu Zhongcai smiled and said, “Miss Wei, would you do me the honor of allowing me to treat you to a meal?”
Wei Yumeng shook her head, politely declining. “Perhaps next time, Mr. Hu. It’s so late today, and our supervisor is waiting for us to report back.”
Hu Zhongcai didn't insist. “Alright, then we must have a meal together next time.” With that, Wei Yumeng and Mu Linjing stood up to bid farewell to Hu Zhongcai. Hu Zhongcai even escorted them to the door. Just as Wei Yumeng was about to ask Hu Zhongcai to stop, she felt a sudden dizziness, stumbled a few steps, and almost lost her balance.
“What’s wrong with me?” She tried hard to steady herself, but even her vision was becoming increasingly blurry. Mu Linjing tried to check on Wei Yumeng, but she also felt a distinct dizziness, then her vision went black, and she lost consciousness.
When Wei Yumeng woke up, she found herself lying on a bed, bound all over. She started to panic and tried to struggle but to no avail. She desperately tried to recall what had happened. She remembered feeling something was wrong when they reached the door, and then she fainted. But why would she faint for no reason? Could that cup of coffee have been poisoned? It had to be Hu Zhongcai! Only him.
At that moment, Hu Zhongcai pushed the door open and entered, seeing Wei Yumeng lying on the bed, unable to move.
“How is it? Wasn’t my acting superb? Even Miss Wei was fooled.”
Wei Yumeng looked at Hu Zhongcai in horror, “You did it on purpose, intentionally making the cooperation go smoothly so I would let my guard down.”
Hu Zhongcai’s current smile was particularly jarring to Wei Yumeng. “It seems Miss Wei is very smart. If I hadn’t used such methods, how would you have taken the bait?”
Wei Yumeng struggled with all her might but still couldn't break free. She glared at Hu Zhongcai, “You’d better let me go, or Zhan Mohan won’t let you off!”
Hu Zhongcai threw his head back and laughed, “Don’t think you can scare me by mentioning Zhan Mohan. There’s no woman I, Hu Zhongcai, want that I can’t have.” As he spoke, he walked up to Wei Yumeng and stroked her face with his rough fingers. Wei Yumeng felt a wave of disgust and turned her face away in revulsion. This action angered Hu Zhongcai. He pinched her cheeks forcefully with two fingers. “You, a mere translator, dare to look down on me? It’s your good fortune that I fancy you. Look at this skin, so soft and supple. You’ll definitely make someone comfortable later.” Hu Zhongcai’s eyes gleamed as he stared at Wei Yumeng’s body, already rubbing his hands together, impatient.
Wei Yumeng craned her neck and yelled at him, “I am Zhan Mohan’s wife! If you dare to touch even a finger of mine, my husband will cripple you!”
“Pfft!” Hu Zhongcai couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Are you out of ideas, so you’re saying this? Don’t tell me Zhan Mohan isn’t married. Even if he were, I wouldn’t believe it’s you. Look at yourself. If Zhan Mohan truly had a wife, would he let his wife be a mere translator in the company?”
“If you don’t believe me, you can call him yourself to confirm.”
Hu Zhongcai’s eyes widened, looking somewhat creepy. “Do you think I’m a fool? If I call Zhan Mohan now, even if you two aren’t married, he won’t just stand by and do nothing. Alright, save your energy for talking and have some fun with me.” Hu Zhongcai took off his jacket and lunged at Wei Yumeng…